The city of Bastrop unveiled its latest installations as part of the Bird Junction Sculpture Program during a pair of brief ceremonies Jan. 10.

In a nutshell: With a peregrine falcon sculpture by Smithville-based artist Russell Strawn Smith at 1311 Chestnut St. and a display of native songbirds by Houston-based artist Amanda Barry Jones at 1408 Chestnut St., there are now six installations throughout Bastrop.

What they're saying: “This is a great idea and project,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris told representatives from the Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission during the first ceremony. “As a person who likes a lot of birds, I really appreciate what y’all are doing with this.”

Learn more: The two sculptures—which are located across the street from one another—took several months to complete, according to city officials.

Pluto’s Wine Bar is pouring Bastrop customers their first rounds after opening downtown in early January.

In a nutshell: Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica, a veteran who is classically trained in French cuisine, launched the business inside the former CC Wine & Co spot.

What they offer: Here’s a taste of what Pluto’s Wine Bar’s menu brings to the table:

• Butter-poached salmon
• Smoked tandoori half chicken
• Oysters on the half shell
• Wine-braised beets
• Stuffed avocado tartare

• 924 Main St., Bastrop

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Austin-area will have several events dedicated to celebrating, serving the community and educating people about the holiday.

MLK Day of Service: The city of Pflugerville will host a day of service to help clean up Pfluger Park and the surrounding areas. Participants will meet at the Gilleland Creek Park pavilion for a short orientation before beginning the cleanup.

• Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
• 700 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville

• Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-noon
• 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown

• Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• 1100 Congress Ave., Austin

Some Texas film industry leaders say the state is on its way to becoming the third “media coast,” joining Los Angeles and New York as film production hubs. A recent increase in state funding is helping buoy that growth, said Chase Musslewhite, co-founder of Media for Texas, an Austin-based nonprofit that advocates for the advancement of the state’s film industry.

The details: Through 2035, $1.5 billion in state incentives will be available for movies, television shows, documentaries and related projects created in Texas.

To be eligible for the program funding under Senate Bill 22, at least 35% of a production’s cast and crew must live in Texas and at least 60% of the work must be done in-state, according to the Texas Film Commission. Grant reimbursements start at 5% and go up to 31%, depending on how much a production spends and other aspects of the project.

The local impact: After SB 22 became law Sept. 1, some local governments across Texas—including Austin, San Antonio and Houston—expanded or launched their own film incentive programs.